Religious Studies
Member of the Division of Humanities
Chair(s):
Tyler T. Roberts
Faculty:
Timothy S. Dobe
Caleb H. Elfenbein (also History)
Edmund T. Gilday
Henry W. Morisada Rietz
When you study the world’s religious traditions, you learn about the histories, literatures, practices, and beliefs that have shaped not only the world’s religious traditions, but also human societies and cultures. You study rituals and festivals that give meaning to time and place; disciplines that develop modes of perception and attention; ideas of holiness, justice, and love through which human beings have expressed their highest ideals; and discourses and institutions that have wielded great political and social power.
Majors in religious studies will be required, above all, to develop the capacities fundamental to the liberal arts: clear communication, critical thinking, and the careful and open-minded exploration of ways of life different from one’s own. Some majors pursue religious studies as preparation for graduate study in religion and a teaching career at a college or university. Some go on to theological school and a career in ministry. Most majors, however, apply the skills and sensibilities developed through the study of religion to a variety of other professions, such as law, medicine, education, or international relations.
Majors generally focus on either Asian or Western religions, but all majors are required to take at least one course in each area. All majors are also required to take the Third-Year Seminar on Theory and Method in the Study of Religion and one other advanced (300-level) seminar. Majors who expect to undertake graduate study should gain a reading knowledge of at least one classical or modern foreign language. All majors are encouraged to study abroad.
